Clinical Topics

BEDFORD, MA – African-American women who work night shifts are significantly more likely to develop diabetes, and their risk increases the longer they work that schedule. That’s according to a new study published in Diabetolgia, which notes that the increased… Read More

Political Battles Expected WASHINGTON – The VA needs to “right-size” by shifting resources to areas of the country where the veteran population is growing and by disposing of more than 10 million square feet of excess space that is costing… Read More

PHILADELPHIA – Emerging evidence suggests that diet and vascular risk factors including obesity and hyperlipidemia may influence progression of multiple sclerosis. A poster presented at the 2014 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology sought to determine the compliance… Read More

PORTLAND, OR – Multiple sclerosis patients have a high incidence of falls with research indicating that more than 50% of them fall in a three- to six-month period and around 30% to 50% fall multiple times. Because those falls can… Read More

WASHINGTON – Traveling to VA testing centers can be difficult for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. What if, instead, the testing could be done remotely? That’s what a study led by researchers from the Washington DC VAMC sought to find out.… Read More

By Annette M. Boyle CHICAGO – Your patient presents with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Is it asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or both? The diagnosis and decision about treatment are not so simple, however. In fact, they… Read More

Symptoms Increase, Worsening Quality of Life By Annette M. Boyle BUFFALO, NY – Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly have bacteria in their lungs. This has been considered inconsequential except during exacerbations, but now it seems that those… Read More

DURHAM, NC – While evidence is growing that bariatric surgery can improve survival among the severely obese, past research hasn’t been as useful for some of the patients who would benefit most from weight loss.

Why Do Overweight Patients Live Longer with Heart Failure?
Now the leading cause of hospital admissions in the VA Health Care System, heart failure is associated with high mortality rates and poor quality of life.

PITTSBURGH – Veterans who double dip benefits, receiving glucose test strips through both the VA and Medicare, use more strips and are more likely to potentially overuse the measurement devices, according to a new study. “These results illustrate the profound… Read More

BETHESDA, MD – Chronic insomnia doubles the risk of developing hypertension and type 2 diabetes in servicemembers compared to military personnel who have not been diagnosed with that sleep problem. That’s according to a report in Medical Surveillance Monthly Report… Read More

PITTSBURGH – Veterans who participated in mindfulness training lowered their diabetes-related distress and glucose levels while improving their self-management of the disease, according to a new study. The training included focused breathing and awareness training, according to the research presented… Read More

Lupus Diagnoses Have Risen Significantly
BETHESDA, MD – As the fictional team of physicians attempted to identify mysterious conditions season after season, TV’s Dr. Gregory House often assured them, “It’s not lupus — It’s never lupus.” But in recent years, many DoD physicians have found that it is lupus — it’s increasingly lupus.

NOVEMBER ISSUE Forward this newsletter to a colleague U.S. MEDICINE NEWS UPDATE VA Secretary Defends Actions to Hold Individuals Accountable WASHINGTON – VA is moving as “aggressively and expeditiously as possible by the law” in holding individuals accountable in the… Read More

PLAINSBORO, NJ – The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment option for chronic weight management in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. Saxenda (liraglutide [rDNA origin] injection) is approved for use in adults with a… Read More

Studies Show Unique Needs of Hispanic, Veteran Populations By Annette M. Boyle NEW YORK – Since 2003, the proportion of new military recruits who identified as Hispanic has increased by more than 50% and the number of Hispanic veterans has… Read More

SAN ANTONIO – For many veterans, leaving the service marks the beginning of a new battle — the constant fight against obesity. Sudden weight gain often accompanies the transition to civilian life, with more than 70% of veterans ending up overweight and at elevated risk of developing diabetes and a complex cascade of related health issues.

Alliance Research Not Limited by Private-Sector Restraints By Annette M. Boyle BETHESDA, MD – In celebration of its second anniversary, the John P. Murtha Cancer Center at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, announced plans to substantially expand its… Read More